Washington Huskies at UCLA Bruins Game Preview
Takeaways: Flyers Battle Back for Another OT Win Against Blues
The Philadelphia Flyers returned from a four-day break, back home and playing the St. Louis Blues for the second time in just under a week.
Things didn't get off to an ideal start for the Flyers, but if this group has developed one reliable habit, it’s refusing to let an imperfect start dictate the ending. Down 2–0, the Flyers clawed back—first through Rodrigo Abols, then Tyson Foerster—before Travis Sanheim capped things off in overtime with a shot that sent the building into a collective exhale.
1. A Pattern They Don’t Want, but Know How to Handle
The Flyers admitted postgame that the opening half was not what they envisioned after four full days between games. St. Louis dictated the early pace, attacked the middle of the ice, and built a 2–0 lead in a way that felt uncomfortably familiar—clean entries, net pressure, and the Flyers a half-step behind on retrievals. For a team that spent days drilling intensity and physicality into their practice habits, the first period felt out of sync with the intention.
But here’s the thing about this group: even when the start is rough, the response is never passive.
Once the Flyers got through their early miscues, the second period carried a noticeable shift in tempo. More puck support, more structure, and more engagement in battles along the boards. They started generating zone time—real, layered, sustained zone time—and the game eventually tilted. It wasn’t always clean, and it wasn’t always pretty, but it was incremental progress within the game itself, something they’ve grown surprisingly good at.
Sanheim told media postgame, "It's not the start you wanted. In saying that, you have four days off. It takes a little bit to get your mind and your legs back into. I thought we started to find our game toward the second half."
Nick Seeler echoed the sentiment, calling this result "another resilient win for us," one that they "need to build on and continue to work at those first-period starts."
2. Dan Vladar Keeps Them in It With Some of His Most Acrobatic Work Yet
The storyline doesn’t work without Dan Vladar, who delivered another sharp performance to keep the Flyers in this game.
Vladar’s best moments came in those scrambles: sprawling back-door stops, lateral slides through traffic, and a couple of saves where the mechanics mattered less than the refusal to concede the goal.
The Blues’ early push could have easily turned 2–0 into something insurmountable. Vladar made sure it didn’t.
Dan Vladař v prodloužení podržel svůj tým, aby o minutu později Travis Sanheim vystřelil výhru pro @NHLFlyers. 🔥#LetsGoFlyers#Vladarpic.twitter.com/cY0Bw0TECH
— NHL Česko (@NHLcz) November 21, 2025
3. Travis Sanheim’s OT Winner Caps Another Resilient Night for Him
If Travis Sanheim didn’t want to wait for the committee to decide whether he’s playing like an Olympic-caliber defenseman, he gave his own argument in overtime.
The winner was a product of patience and confidence: Sanheim got the puck, realized how much space he had to go forward, and then finished with conviction. It was calm but assertive—exactly the tone he’s been setting in his game.
SANNY ENDS IT IN STYLE. #PHIvsSTL | @fwwebbpic.twitter.com/ncYywkM6AI
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 21, 2025
His season has been full of these moments: leadership by presence, and a steadiness that lets him punch above his narrative weight. As the Flyers continue to navigate inconsistent portions of their lineup, Sanheim’s reliability (and occasional game-breaking contributions) have become a foundational part of why they stay competitive in tight games.
4. The Flyers Can’t Keep Doing This—But They Also Keep Figuring It Out
No team wants a reputation built around digging out of early holes, especially not after a four-day break intended to reset habits and sharpen attention.
But the resilience is real. And in overtime, where the Flyers have been unexpectedly comfortable this season, they once again showed the ability to elevate their pace and execution under pressure.
Goals from Rodrigo Abols and Tyson Foerster prove that every single line is ready to fire, and when one guy breaks through, the floodgates seem to open. And against a stubborn, structured Blues team—one they’ve now beaten twice in less than two weeks—they've once again shown that they're building four lines that are always ready for battle.
Another comeback. Another overtime. Another sign that the Flyers have a backbone they can lean on, even when their best hockey takes a period or so to find
How to watch Syracuse vs. No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish: TV, live stream, storylines for Saturday’s game
The Fighting Irish will be aiming for a ninth consecutive victory as they hunt for a playoff spot.
Alex Ovechkin has 33rd hat trick, assist in Montreal romp, moves to No. 10 on points list
MONTREAL — Alex Ovechkin padded his NHL goals record and moved up a couple other big lists in the Washington Capitals’ 8-4 romp over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.
Ovechkin had his 33rd career hat trick to tie Brett Hull for fourth in NHL history and added an assist as he moved past Joe Sakic into 10th on the points list.
“I just try to do my job and try to enjoy the moment and enjoy the time,” Ovechkin said
Ovechkin has 10 goals in 21 games this season to push his NHL-record to 907. The 40-year-old Russian has 1,643 points, two more than Sakic.
Ovechkin opened the scoring on a power play a minute into the first period, firing a wrist shot past goalie Sam Montembeault off a faceoff. Ovechkin assisted on Ethen Frank’s goal two minutes into the second that gave the Capitals the lead for good at 2-1.
The Washington star scored twice late in the third period, the first on a rush with 4:57 to go and the second into an empty net from his own zone with 2:04 remaining. He has scored in four straight games and has seven goals in his last six games.
Linemate Dylan Strome assisted on Ovechkin’s first two goals, the second after learning during the first intermission that wife Tayler had given birth to their third daughter. The couple named the girl Sutton Kimberley.
“Since like first shift, I think Stromer was feeling it,” Ovechkin said. “I think he was unstoppable today.”
Coming off a 7-4 home victory over Edmonton on Wednesday night, Washington has won three in a row to improve to 11-8-2. It was the Capitals’ lone road game in an eight-game span.
Montreal has lost five straight and seven of eight.
Mets should make strong push to trade for Corey Seager
In what suddenly looms as a tantalizing opportunity for the Mets, Corey Seager apparently can be had in a trade with the Texas Rangers. If so, David Stearns should be first in line to make it happen.
Yes, Seager is an All-Star shortstop, same as Francisco Lindor. But he could easily slide to third base, where he’d be an above-average defender, and more significantly, give the Mets another elite hitter who could take their offense to a championship level.
If they re-sign Pete Alonso as well, that is.
Consider the idea of…Lindor, Juan Soto, Alonso, and Seager? Now that’s a Big Four, one to match the firepower of any lineup in baseball, including the big, bad Dodgers.
With such a move, suddenly all the talk about the need to change the Mets’ core could be dismissed, especially with high-ceiling prospects Jett Williams and Carson Benge expected to force their way to the big leagues at some point during the 2026 season.
In fact, if Williams proves to be the leadoff hitter that scouts project, with his high walk totals and noted plate discipline, he would lengthen the lineup and allow Brandon Nimmo to slot in at the No. 6 spot, or perhaps even lower, where he’d have plenty of value.
I’d also make the case that with Seager on board, the Mets could live with Tyrone Taylor as their primary center fielder until Benge is ready.
Likewise, Jeff McNeil could stay at second base as a placeholder for Williams, while Brett Baty could transition to playing first base in partnership with Alonso. After Baty proved more athletic than expected at both third and second base, there’s no reason to think he couldn’t be an above-average first baseman as the Mets ease Alonso into a part-time DH role.
With all of that in mind, re-signing Alonso and trading for Seager obviously would solve a lot of potential problems for the Mets.
They’d still have to upgrade the starting pitching, of course, and re-sign Edwin Diaz as well if they’re serious about winning it all in 2026, but Steve Cohen’s billions and the Mets’ highly-ranked farm system give Stearns plenty of ammunition on that front.
As for Seager, the lefty hitter who turns 32 in April, he’s only available because the Rangers are trying to shed payroll, according to the Dallas Morning News, and he has six years and $189 million remaining on his contract.
"That’s the most obvious move to make if they’re under orders to cut payroll," one team executive told me. "I’m sure they wouldn’t want to trade him otherwise. He’s a star player but if Texas needs to get out from under his contract, the price to get him won’t be prohibitive for a team willing to take on all the money."
That might appeal to the Yankees as well, as he could replace Anthony Volpe at shortstop. But if re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top priority, it’s hard to see Hal Steinbrenner also taking on Seager’s contract.
In any case, the Mets should seize the opportunity here, presuming they’re not one of the eight teams on Seager’s no-trade list. And since the Dallas Morning News reported that neither the Yankees nor the Boston Red Sox were on that list, the Mets wouldn’t figure to be, either (although the Atlanta Braves are reportedly on the list, so it remains to be seen).
Seager has consistently put up big offensive numbers and he’s a two-time World Series MVP, with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Rangers in 2023, which says something about his ability to deliver on the big stage.
The one knock on him is he has missed considerable time due to injury in recent years. Last season, Seager played only 102 games, missing a few weeks due to a hamstring pull and then all of September due to an emergency appendectomy.
Still, he’s worth the gamble because, as a high-average hitter with power, Seager could be the ideal bat to add consistency to a Mets’ offense that has been maddeningly inconsistent in recent years.
His career slash line of .289/.362/.509/.871 reflects that consistency, and last season his .860 OPS was the highest among all shortstops, though he didn’t have enough at-bats to qualify for official stats. His 151 OPS+ number was among the best in baseball.
Seager’s underlying numbers have been consistently elite as well. Last year, according to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 90th percentile or higher among all major league hitters in hard-hit percentage, average exit velocity, and expected batting average, on-base, and slugging.
“He puts up superstar numbers,” one scout said. “He probably wouldn’t be thrilled at the idea of changing positions if the Mets were to get him, but they could make the case that playing third would be a little easier on his legs, which could matter for a guy who has had his share of injuries. And he’s probably going to have to move to third at some point anyway as he gets deeper into his 30s.
“He’d be a finishing piece for the Mets. You add Seager to what they already have, assuming they work out a deal with Alonso, and that lineup would be a nightmare for pitchers.”
What would it take to get him? If the Rangers do need to trade Seager for financial reasons, the Mets probably could put together a package without including the likes of Williams, Benge, Brandon Sproat, or Jonah Tong.
“They have enough depth in their farm system to give them that kind of leverage,” the scout said.
And that’s significant because they might well need to move a couple of those top-of-the-system prospects for starting pitching, whether it’s the dream trade for Tarik Skubal or a deal for the likes of Joe Ryan, Freddy Peralta, or Sandy Alcantara.
After all, acquiring front-of-the-rotation pitching has to be the priority of the Mets’ offseason. But they have the resources and the need to take advantage of other opportunities as well, which is why they should make every effort to go get Seager.
NHL Rumor Roundup: Canadiens Shopping For Help, Ducks' Mintyukov Could Seek A Trade
After going 10-3-2 in their first 15 games, the Montreal Canadiens are 0-4-1 in their last five.
That has sparked speculation over what moves management might make to reverse its fortunes.
Injuries to forwards Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach have some pundits musing over which players they'll target in the trade market as potential replacements. Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly have been mentioned as options.
TVA Sports reported the Predators had two scouts at Thursday's game between the Canadiens and Washington Capitals. They don't play either club until later in the New Year.
The Hockey News' Karine Hains suggested O'Reilly as a trade target for Montreal. Although he lacks a no-trade or no-move clause in his contract, the Predators treated him as if he did last season. Hains noted the center is still producing and excels at faceoffs, but Nashville trading him wouldn't send a great message to its room.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Canadiens were among the suitors for David Kampf before the former Toronto Maple Leafs center signed with the Vancouver Canucks last Saturday.
LeBrun suggested Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames would be a good fit with the Canadiens. He also felt that they might have an eye on Flames winger Blake Coleman. LeBrun mentioned the Habs' interest in St. Louis Blues right winger Jordan Kyrou earlier this summer before his no-trade clause kicked in on July 1.
However, LeBrun indicated that the management duo of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes isn't known for making rash decisions. He doesn't see them making any panic moves because they know that they're not Stanley Cup contenders yet. LeBrun believes any decision they make must be able to help the team now and in the future.
The Canadiens are facing the same issue as other injury-battered teams currently shopping for depth in the trade market: there are few sellers right now, and they're setting high prices for their tradeable assets.
Turning to the Anaheim Ducks, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Pavel Mintyukov would like to be moved if he's not going to play. The 21-year-old defenseman has seen mostly bottom-third minutes this season and was a healthy scratch in their last three games.
Mintyukov was chosen 10th overall by the Ducks in the 2022 NHL draft. The promising puck-moving defenseman had 28 points in 63 games during his 2023-24 rookie campaign. However, Friedman observed that he's fallen behind Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger, and Ian Moore on their depth chart.
Friedman stated that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek isn't in a rush to move Mintyukov, but he believes this situation could be worth monitoring. If Verbeek peddles him, he'll likely want a young NHL player in return.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Pittsburgh vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech prediction: Odds, expert picks, team and player news, trends, and stats
Pitt Panthers at No. 15 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Game Preview
Draymond reveals how he hopes Steph Curry's sneaker free agency plays out
Draymond reveals how he hopes Steph Curry's sneaker free agency plays out originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green has kept a close eye on his longtime teammate’s footwear during the Warriors’ current road trip — and he has some ideas about what’s next for Steph Curry.
On the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the veteran forward noted how unusual it’s been to see Curry without his usual Under Armour line. The two-time NBA MVP recently parted ways with Under Armour after more than a decade, making him one of the most high-profile sneaker free agents in years. Instead, he’s been lacing up everything from the Shaqnosis and the Penny 2s to Kobe Bryant’s Mambacita edition sneakers.
“It’s been interesting not seeing 30 Curry in the UAs and the Curries,” Green said. “It’s been very interesting to see after 11 years … and then to see him in these different shoes, it’s been like a fish out of water.”
Green said he’s particularly excited to see how companies respond to Curry’s availability, comparing the situation to Kobe Bryant’s iconic sneaker free-agency years.
“I want to see Jordan Brand make the blue and gold 13s — or the blue and gold 11s,” Green explained. “Let’s get Steph some white and gold 11s with the gold patent leather. It makes me think back to when Kobe was a sneaker free agent and he had blue and gold 7s, you know, and the different, white purple and gold 7s and different things. And so I am really looking forward to seeing if this is about to get crazy like it was then.”
Curry’s transition away from Under Armour comes as his Curry Brand and signature “splash” logo prepare to move with him. According to Green, Under Armour will retain rights to promote and sell Curry’s shoes until next summer before the brand fully transitions with him.
“He has a blank canvas to pretty much build what he wants,” Green said. “And I think the possibilities are endless in what he will be able to build.”
Green expects Curry’s next partnership to take shape soon.
“I don’t expect this to be something that’s going to take a very long time,” Green noted. “Like Steph is pretty dialed in and pretty calculated in what he wants to do. But I think this could be very big.”
With Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham recently joining the list of players getting their own signature shoes, Green says it raises an intriguing question about what space Curry will occupy next in the sneaker market.
“Where does that leave Steph?” Green said. “That’s kind of a different bucket to play in and a whole different conversation, but interesting stuff in the sneaker space. Can’t wait to see how it all goes down.”
Whatever brand Curry chooses next, Green believes the four-time champion’s next chapter in the sneaker world could be just as influential as the one he already has built.
SEC picks: Oklahoma’s road to CFP gets tougher if Beau Pribula can play
SEC football picks: Oklahoma's clear path to the CFP just got interesting with return of Missouri QB Beau Pribula.
Sports quiz of the week: Ashes sledging, Arsenal v Spurs and a young world No 1
Have you been following the big stories in football, rugby, tennis, cricket, basketball, darts and other mystery sports?
Continue reading...Phillies' arbitration decisions ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline
Phillies' arbitration decisions ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Today marks an important day in the offseason. The non-tender deadline is set for Friday at 5 p.m. ET.
The Phillies have a number of arbitration-eligible players and by Friday the club will decide whether to trade, non-tender (essentially release) or submit an annual salary, which triggers the arbitration process.
A player becomes arbitration-eligible after accumulating three years of major-league service time. So, who qualifies for the Phils?
SP Jesús Luzardo
Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – Imagn Images
Service Time: 5.165 | Free Agent: 2027
In his first season in Philadelphia, the left-hander was both reliable and durable. In 2025, he led the team in wins (15), posted a 3.92 ERA and made 32 starts. His 2.90 field-independent pitching mark ranked sixth in MLB. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski expressed interest in an extension, positioning Luzardo as a staple in the rotation for years to come.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $12 million
INF Edmundo Sosa
Credit: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
Service Time: 5.140 | Free Agent: 2027
The 29-year-old has solidified himself as the utility man. In his fourth season with the Phils, Sosa slashed .276/.307/.469 for a .777 OPS. His career average of 3.3 WAR per 162 games underscores his value. He hit .318 with an .895 OPS versus left-handed pitching in 2025, making him a go-to match-up option for manager Rob Thomson.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $7.5 million
3B Alec Bohm
Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – Imagn Images
Service Time: 5.106 | Free Agent: 2027
Speculation has mounted around Bohm’s future in Philadelphia. Though 2025 was deemed a “down” year, the 29-year-old still produced a .287 average — the best mark among third basemen with 400+ plate appearances. Bohm provides contact and all-field hitting, but just 11 homers in 120 games invite questions about power at the position. Keep an eye on what the Phillies choose to do prior to the deadline.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $10.25 million
C Garrett Stubbs
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images
Service Time: 4.148 | Free Agent: 2028
At age 32, Stubbs appeared in just five games at the big league level after spending most of the season at Triple-A. He remains an affordable option if the club keeps him on the 26-man roster, though his value diminishes if he remains a minor-league depth piece. His status may also hinge on how the team handles free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $925,000
OF Brandon Marsh
Credit: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
Service Time: 4.078 | Free Agent: 2028
Marsh was the team’s most stable everyday outfielder in 2025. He hit .280/.342/.443 for a .785 OPS while rotating between left and center and offering above-average defense at both spots. Against right-handed pitching, he hit .300 with an .838 OPS. Currently, he seems to be locked into the Phils’ outfield for 2026.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $5.5 million
CP Jhoan Duran
Credit: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
Service Time: 4.000 | Free Agent: 2028
The flamethrower came to Philadelphia in mid-season and delivered: 16 saves and a 2.18 ERA in 23 appearances. He finished 2025 with a career-high 32 saves and a 2.35 FIP. With two seasons of team control remaining, Durán represents high value in the ninth inning — reflecting the value the Phils gave up to acquire him from Minnesota.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $8 million
2B Bryson Stott
Credit: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
Service Time: 4.000 | Free Agent: 2028
Stott’s profile is clear: an athletic middle infielder with a plus glove and a below-average bat. In 2025, he slashed .257/.328/.391 (96 OPS+). He was one of three players at the position to walk 50+ times and struck out fewer than 100. His left-left splits remain troubling (.575 OPS in 123 plate appearances), making his status as starter questionable.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $5.5 million
RP Tanner Banks
Credit: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
Service Time: 3.092 | Free Agent: 2029
Banks had a strong season for a left-handed reliever: a 3.07 ERA across 69 appearances, which placed him in the top-20 among southpaw relievers. Most notably, he held left-handed hitters to a .175 average and a .456 OPS. He’s a bullpen asset, especially in match-up scenarios.
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $1.25 million
C Rafael Marchán
Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – Imagn Images
Service Time: 3.006 | Free Agent: 2029
The switch-hitting catcher emerged as a reliable backup option behind Realmuto. Although he didn’t qualify for many advanced metrics, Marchán posted above-average marks in square-up percentage, chase rate and strikeout rate. Defensively, he ranked in the 84th percentile for caught steals and registered a 1.88-second pop time (top-4 % in MLB).
Projected 2026 Arbitration Value (per Spotrac): $1 million
NHL Waiver Wire: Flyers a Perfect Fit for Disgruntled Blues Forward
If the Philadelphia Flyers want to bolster their center depth at the NHL level without having to trade any assets away, they will have the opportunity to do so at the plight of the St. Louis Blues.
On Thursday, it was announced that the Blues had put center Alexandre Texier on waivers with the purpose of assigning him to the AHL Springfield Thunderbirds.
That's no surprise, as Texier, 26, has one assist in eight games this season and 12 points in 39 games as a Blues player. The Frenchman has not quite been worth the fourth-round pick investment St. Louis made when acquiring him from the Columbus Blue Jackets just a summer ago.
Fortunately, though, several teams around the league could use serviceable NHL forward depth, and Texier clearly needs a fresh start elsewhere.
Plus, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that "it's possible" Texier goes the route of contract termination, like David Kampf last week, in pursuit of that new opportunity.
If not, at a $2.1 million cap hit for one more season, Texier is a relatively inexpensive upgrade for a Flyers team that has continued to ice Nick Deslauriers, Rodrigo Abols - who ironically scored against the Blues on Thursday night - and Garnet Hathaway.
NHL Rumors: Flyers Forward Makes New Trade BoardThis Flyers forward was featured on The Athletic's new trade board. Suffice to say, there is very little upside to that trio, especially when it is Deslauriers who replaces Nikita Grebenkin in the lineup.
Texier is a career 0.38 point-per-game player in the NHL, which is more or less on par with the offensive production of a bottom-six forward. His career-high 12 goals, 18 assists, and 30 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023-24, which led to his being traded, is exactly what the Flyers need from the bottom half of the lineup if they can find that gear again.
The biggest issue with the former second-round pick has been his defensive underlying numbers; his offense has been solid, but the defense has generally been markedly poor.
But, the good news for the Flyers is that they tend to have many such success stories in the recent past; Ryan Poehling, in particular, is relevant here as a similarly-aged fourth-line forward.
That also is not inherently bad, either. We all know the Flyers are borderline starved for offense a quarter into the season, and seeing some pop from that fourth line wouldn't be all that bad.
The question is really a matter of whether or not the Flyers can stomach the $2.1 million cap hit (they can if they want to), and if not, will they beat another NHL team for Texier's services?
Given the state of the team, though, Texier seems like a perfect fit and is someone who should at least be drawing some consideration in his current situation.
Blackhawks Announce Return Of Legendary Black Alternate Jersey
The highly anticipated return of the Chicago Blackhawks' black alternate sweater is here. They will debut it for the first time on the ice on Black Friday (Nov. 28) against the Nashville Predators. That will be the first of seven times that they wear it in 2025-26.
Both of these games are being called "Blackout games" at the United Center, as fans are being encouraged to wear all black clothes to both.
“The long-awaited black alternate jersey returns this season as we celebrate 100 years of Blackhawks hockey, giving a nod to some of the greatest players to ever wear the sweater,” said Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz. “Originally worn by Tony Amonte, Chris Chelios, Eric Daze, and Denis Savard in the 1990s-2000s, these jerseys defined an era and became a symbol of the grit, strength, commitment, and legacy that still holds true to today’s era of Blackhawks hockey.”
These sweaters were among the most popular alternates in the NHL from 1996-2009. Now, it will make its return to Chicago in time for the Centennial Celebrations. Fittingly, it will debut during the chapter that celebrates that time period.
“We’re not just revisiting our past," said President of Business Operations, Jamie Faulkner. "We’re reactivating one of hockey’s most striking visual statements. Our fans were part of making it an icon under the United Center lights. They’ve been asking for this moment, and we couldn’t wait to give this back to them as the next generation takes the ice."
In addition to the two games immediately after Thanksgiving, the Blackhawks will wear it during their Friday Night Hockey series, as well as one road game against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 14th.
People in Chicago have been waiting for this announcement for over a decade. Now, they can finally see the team wearing it and buy one for themselves. It can be found at the Blackhawks Store on Michigan Avenue, the Team Store at the United Center, and on CBHShop.com.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Longtime Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco named new Liberty coach: Report
Longtime Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco named new Liberty coach: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
After more than a decade with the Golden State Warriors, assistant coach Chris DeMarco is headed to the WNBA.
The New York Liberty have agreed on a contract to hire DeMarco as their new coach, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday morning, citing sources.
It is unclear if DeMarco will finish the 2025-26 NBA season with the Warriors before moving to the Big Apple, or if he will head East right away.
It was reported earlier this week that DeMarco was among the handful of finalists for the gig, among several other NBA assistants around the league.
DeMarco now is the third NBA assistant to be named the head coach of a WNBA team over the past two seasons (h/t Yahoo! Sports). Per The New York Post’s Madeline Kenney, New York had prioritized candidates with NBA backgrounds, in addition to a blend of modern and innovative views on the game.
In addition to primarily running Golden State’s defense under Steve Kerr, DeMarco also has served as head coach of the Bahamian men’s national team since 2019.
DeMarco now will take over the void left by Sandy Brondello, for whom the Liberty didn’t renew her contract for the 2026 season.
Ranking Mets' top 5 free agent infielder targets for 2025-26 MLB offseason
There has been lots of buzz about the Mets potentially shaking up their offensive core this offseason -- something president of baseball operations David Stearns suggested was possible while speaking during his end-of-season news conference.
Since then, the Mets have made both Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil available via trade.
Meanwhile, Pete Alonso is a free agent for the second time in as many years.
So big changes could be coming for New York.
The possible trades of Nimmo and/or McNeil add a layer of intrigue to the offseason. And a deal that ships Nimmo out of New York -- something that would likely be a bit complicated given his contract and full no-trade clause -- would obviously create a domino effect when it comes to what the Mets do with the offense.
Regarding the infield specifically, though, an Alonso return would take up one huge spot -- though his willingness to DH more often is something to keep an eye on.
But no matter what happens with Alonso, the Mets should be exploring third base and second base options via free agency.
Here's who they should be targeting, ranked...
5. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami
Murakami, who will be entering his age-26 season in 2026, has absolutely massive power.
His biggest power season came in 2022, when he slugged .710 and smashed a career-high 56 homers.
Murakami was limited to just 56 games in 2025, but he made the most of them, smacking 22 homers while slashing .273/.379/.663.
The elephant(s) in the room? Murakami strikes out a ton and is not a plus defender.
But if the Mets lose Alonso, they could do a lot worse than Murakami, who could be a true difference-maker if his power translates to the majors and is five years younger than Alonso.
4. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto -- a six-time All-Star in Japan -- has led the Central league in home runs three times (2020, 2021, and 2023), and has an .882 OPS in 1,074 NPB games.
And he is a better fit than Murakami for two reasons, despite being 29 years old.
First, while there are some questions about how Okamoto's power will translate, he does not have the strikeout issues Murakami has.
Second, Okamoto is a plus defender, having won two Golden Glove awards (2021 and 2022).
Okamoto could be a replacement at first base if Alonso departs via free agency. He could also fit at third base if the Mets decide to go in a different direction there.
3. 2B/SS Bo Bichette
Bichette had a huge bounce back season for the Blue Jays in 2025, hitting .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS.
Ahead of his age-28 campaign Bichette seems destined for a big commitment in terms of years. And with the Mets, he'd have to switch positions (likely to second base, where he played during the World Series against the Dodgers).
It can be argued that the Mets need to add two bats this offseason -- Alonso and one other or (in a scenario where Alonso leaves) two new ones.
Bichette, and the hitter right after him on this list, would be ideal fits.
With the exception of his down 2024 season, Bichette -- who has a .294 career batting average -- has been an offensive force during his seven-year career, putting the ball in play a ton while racking up doubles (he smacked 44 in just 139 games in 2025) and averaging 24 homers per 162 games.
2. 3B/2B Alex Bregman
Bregman would bring three important elements to the Mets: a plus bat, plus defense, and leadership.
Offensively, while Bregman might not get back to the heights he experienced with the Astros earlier in his career, he remains an above average hitter. In 114 games last season for the Red Sox, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 28 doubles -- in a year that was interrupted by a quad strain. The 128 OPS+ he put up was his best since 2022, and he continued to be elite when it came to making contact.
Bregman struck out just 70 times in 495 plate appearances in 2025, and has never fanned more than 97 times in a season.
A look at his advanced numbers show that Bregman was in the 79th percentile in batting run value. And he was near the top of the league in squared-up percentage (97th percentile), chase percentage (95th percentile), whiff percentage (92nd percentile), and strikeout rate (88th percentile).
Defensively, Bregman was strong at third base, where he was in the 83rd percentile and worth 3 OAA (Outs Above Average).
In Boston's dugout and in the clubhouse, Bregman had a huge impact -- something that has been the case throughout his career.
For a Mets team in need of a jolt in the lineup, improved defense, and perhaps some more leadership, Bregman checks all the boxes. As a bonus, he would also give them a needed right-handed bat in a lineup that is lefty-heavy.
1. 1B Pete Alonso
There's the logical side of this -- Alonso, while not a great defender, is a really good hitter at a position of need for the Mets, and has proven he can excel in New York.
Then there's the emotional side of it.
In addition to what he brings at the plate, Alonso has been a terrific Met off the field, is beloved by most of the fanbase, and has repeatedly expressed a desire over the last few seasons to remain in New York.
But the most important thing here is that Alonso is a really damn good hitter, and his advanced stats back it up. He was in the 90th percentile or better this past season in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard hit percentage, and bat speed.
And while Alonso could perhaps be seeking a deal worth five or six years at roughly $30 million per season, it's not a slam dunk that any team will be prepared to give that to him. The guess here is that the most logical fits for Alonso (beyond the Mets) could be the Red Sox, Nationals, Orioles, and Reds. But the O's just added Taylor Ward and have huge starting rotation issues, the Reds have been linked more to Kyle Schwarber, the Nats aren't ready to contend, and the Sox could be an unlikely fit if they re-sign Bregman.
So it's possible Alonso falls back into the Mets' lap, though it will obviously take a bigger deal in terms of length than it did last offseason.
As the Mets weigh whether to reunite with Alonso, it's also worth noting that they don't have anyone ready to step in at first base if he leaves.
Before they re-signed Alonso last offseason, they floated the idea that Mark Vientos could be his replacement. But after Vientos had a down year (.702 OPS), it's impossible to see New York going in that direction for 2026. As far as options in the minors, the power-hitting Ryan Clifford could theoretically become one at some point soon. But he's not ready, and doesn't have the same kind of polished approach at the plate that Carson Benge and Jett Williams possess.
With Scott Boras as Alonso's agent, this will likely not be easy. But as was the case last offseason, the most sensible outcome is Alonso winding up back with the Mets. In that regard, nothing has changed.